In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

I start my day with a 10-minute workout and a cup of green tea.

What is the best thing about your job?

Without question its people. I have the privilege of working and connecting with individuals from incredibly diverse backgrounds: different cultures, industries, perspectives, and life experiences. Every conversation brings fresh viewpoints and challenges my own thinking in the best possible way.

Our clients are exceptionally intelligent, talented, and driven individuals. Working with them keeps me sharp; they push me to stay curious, evolve continuously, and bring my absolute best every day.

A moment that changed your life?

Accepting the job offer from KENDRIS and moving to Switzerland from small island of Cyprus 10 years ago. I still remember that mixed feeling of excitement and sheer terror when I signed the contract and booked that one-way flight…It meant leaving what I knew, embracing a new country and culture, and diving into the unknown. The leap brought growth, deep connections, and a sense of belonging I didn’t expect. That decision changed my entire path, professionally and personally, and I am deeply grateful for that.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

I drive a Mini Cooper S.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Don’t fear the risks — take them. Say yes to what life throws at you, even when it scares you. And above all, stay true to yourself; never change who you are to fit someone else’s expectations.

What are you particularly proud of?

Professionally, nothing beats seeing the team flourish. In our world of international advisory, trusts, family offices, and fiduciary services, the work is intricate and high stakes. Yet I’m constantly amazed by how colleagues rise: acquiring expertise, handling sophisticated client needs with poise, taking on bigger responsibilities, and growing into well-rounded leaders. At the end of the day, pride for me isn’t about individual achievements, it’s about the collective.

What do you do when you have doubts?

When I have doubts, I take time if possible: weigh the pros and cons logically, check in with my gut feeling, then talk it through with trusted colleagues or family.

What is your favorite wine?

I am champagne aficionada at heart, so when it comes to wine, I’m firmly Team Bubbly.

What projects are you currently working on?

Right now we’re working on a couple of very interesting projects, steadily growing our aviation and yacht advisory practice, and, most importantly, continuing to deliver top-tier service to our existing clients.

What do you admire in other people?

Grace, intellect, resilience, warmth and above all authenticity.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

The vast range of issues in one single day: it spans aviation or yachting advisory, family office governance, fiduciary structuring, international tax/legal complexities, corporate transactions, and pure human dynamics. The diversity, from luxury details to deeply personal family matters to high-stakes corporate deals, is nonstop and intense.

What is your personal drive?

I don’t really believe in «motivation». Don’t get me wrong, motivation can spark something powerful and carry you far in the short term. But it’s often external, fleeting, tied to rewards, deadlines, or excitement that fades once the goal is reached. For me it’s rather internal source of energy, a drive that doesn’t let you sit still. It’s not about pushing yourself; it’s about being pulled forward because you simply cannot otherwise.

What are you afraid of?

Many things, heights and cockroaches for example. And the usual big-life unknowns in high-pressure situations.

Your favorite watch brand?

IWC Portofino. It’s like a pilot watch reimagined with elegance. The aviation spirit is there in the clean design and reliability but with a touch of feminine sophistication.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

Skydiving is on my list, waiting for the moment I decide the thrill is worth the terror.

Your best investment?

If I had to name my single best investment, it’s not in markets or assets, it’s in a negotiation course I took few years ago. The course gave me tools to prepare smarter, listen deeper, create mutual value, and handle tension without burning bridges. It delivered better client deals, stronger team dynamics and definitely smoother «kitchen table» discussions with the family!

Olga Tcacenco has nearly 20 years of experience in structuring private assets and managing international trusts and companies. She advises multinational high-net-worth families on complex cross-border structures with a focus on legal and tax issues. At Kendris, she heads the Aviation & Yacht Advisory division. She holds a law degree from the University of Wales, is a member of TEP, and speaks four languages.